Pin It A luscious, comforting pasta dish simmered in a single pot, featuring tender noodles, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a medley of fresh herbs in a velvety garlic cream sauce.
This creamy Tuscan pasta is a family favorite that I have enjoyed making on busy weeknights because it's both quick and indulgent.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 small yellow onion finely diced, 1 cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes julienned (oil-packed drained), 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach
- Liquids: 3 ½ cups (830 ml) vegetable broth, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- Cheese & Herbs: ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix (basil oregano thyme), ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil chopped, 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion sauté 2 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2:
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute.
- Step 3:
- Add uncooked pasta vegetable broth cream and milk. Stir to submerge the pasta.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to medium low. Simmer uncovered stirring frequently for 10 12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
- Step 5:
- Add spinach and cook for 2 3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 6:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Step 7:
- Remove from heat. Fold in fresh basil and parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Pin It We enjoy this dish together as a cozy family meal especially on chilly evenings.
Notes
For extra protein add cooked chicken shrimp or white beans Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream Excellent paired with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light bodied red
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Calories 540 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 62 g Protein 17 g
Pin It This creamy Tuscan pasta balances comfort and flavor perfectly making it a quick go-to for any meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine or penne noodles hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly in a single pot.
- → Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter texture without sacrificing much creaminess.
- → How do I avoid the sauce becoming too thick or dry?
Stir frequently and maintain medium-low heat during simmering, adding a little extra vegetable broth if necessary.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat and uses vegetable broth and cheese, making it vegetarian-friendly.
- → Can I add protein to this pasta?
Cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans can be added for extra protein and enhanced flavor.
- → What herbs provide the Tuscan flavor?
Dried Italian herb mix with basil, oregano, thyme, and fresh basil and parsley add the authentic Tuscan aroma.